The Times-Picayunehas confirmed that the future of the Pro Bowl is on today's owners' meeting agenda, and the Superdome's general manager also told the paper the league has asked that the stadium be made available on the Sunday before next year's Super Bowl, which will also be in New Orleans. The NFLPA even issued a statement calling the Pro Bowl an "important tradition," adding that it was "in talks with the league to improve and preserve the game for our players and fans."

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Yes, but why? The game is an obvious farce. The NFLPA's only real interest is in who gets selected, since that's what affects contract bonuses; actually playing the game accomplishes nothing, except to put players at risk. Maybe the answer lies in the Nielsens. Somehow, this year's game was still a solid ratings draw, helping NBC win the evening among young viewers, many of whom probably haven't been around long enough to know the Pro Bowl is crap. If there are advertising blocs to fill, nothing, not even the Pro Bowl, is pointless.